Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spiced lamb chops with a smoky harissa rub, served alongside a refreshing minted cucumber salad for a vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired meal. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 28 minutes pairs lamb chops, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 4 lamb chops with 2 tsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 sliced cucumber, 1/4 thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently and chill for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high. Cook lamb chops for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F.
  4. Step 4: Serve lamb chops with the minted cucumber salad, garnished with extra mint leaves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Harissa-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Minted Cucumber Salad?

Middle Eastern lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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